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History of 1st Satellite Control Bn, SSDC:SMDC

The 1st Satellite Control Battalion (1st SATCON BN) is a unit under the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), previously known as the Space and Strategic Defense Command (SSDC). Activated in 1995, the battalion was tasked with operating and defending the Army’s segment of the Wideband Satellite Communications (SATCOM) System, ensuring global communications for U.S. and allied forces. Headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, 1st SATCON BN managed multiple Satellite Control Facilities worldwide, providing 24/7 support for military operations. The unit has played a critical role in modern military operations, supporting missions from humanitarian relief to combat operations by guaranteeing reliable satellite communications.

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ABOUT 1st Satellite Control Bn, SSDC:SMDC

  • Origins and Activation: The 1st Satellite Control Battalion (1st SATCON BN) was officially activated in 1995 under the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), previously known as the Space and Strategic Defense Command (SSDC).
  • Mission Focus: The battalion's primary mission is to provide operational satellite communications (SATCOM) support and control, ensuring global connectivity for deployed forces and national command authorities.
  • 24/7 Operations: 1st SATCON BN operates around the clock, monitoring, managing, and controlling communication satellites that support military operations worldwide.
  • Global Presence: The battalion operates and oversees SATCOM facilities in multiple strategic locations, including the United States, Europe, and the Pacific, enabling worldwide military communications.
  • GCCS-A Support: The unit is deeply involved in supporting the Global Command and Control System-Army (GCCS-A), providing secure and reliable satellite communications for command and control functions.
  • Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: 1st SATCON BN played a vital role in providing SATCOM for deployed forces during major operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, ensuring real-time communication for commanders on the ground.
  • Technical Prowess: Soldiers in the unit are highly trained in satellite engineering, signal operations, and cyber defense, often working alongside civilian experts and other branches of the military.
  • Space Integration: The battalion is a key part of the Army’s integration into space-based operations, supporting everything from intelligence gathering to missile warning and GPS navigation.
  • First of Its Kind: 1st SATCON BN was the first Army unit specifically organized for satellite control, setting the standard for future Army space operations units.
  • Cultural Motto: The battalion’s motto, “Guardians of Space,” reflects its crucial role in defending U.S. interests and capabilities in the increasingly contested domain of space.

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